Man in ‘a difficult financial position’ before Limerick court for stealing baby food

Judge Catherine Ryan warned Colin Collins: ‘Once someone starts accumulating thefts, unfortunately that’s the road they go down’

Published 20th Mar 2026, 18:33 BST Judge Patricia Harney said 'Either you’re pleading guilty or you’re not' Judge Catherine Ryan warned Colin Collins: ‘Once someone starts accumulating thefts, unfortunately that’s the road they go down’ Sign up to our Ireland Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Ireland Live within your account.

A MAN “in a difficult financial position” has pleaded guilty to stealing from Aldi.

Colin Collins, 25, with a home address of Cross Road, Thomondgate, Limerick , stole goods to the value of €95.96 from Aldi in Rhebogue on September 3, 2025.

The man also stole €4.80 worth of stock from the same shop on August 24, 2025, and committed another small theft from Aldi on September 9, 2025.

Inspector Liam Wallace told Limerick District City Court that the stolen property was not recovered in all three instances.

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Mr Collins’ barrister, Joseph McMahon, said the man was in “a difficult financial position at the time”, and baby food was among the items taken. Mr McMahon said: “Not that it’s an excuse, but it explains his conduct”.

Inspector Wallace outlined to the court that Mr Collins has 13 previous convictions, including five previous thefts, a violent disorder offence, two public order offences, a possession of drugs charge, and a number of road traffic offences.

Mr McMahon suggested that assigning the man community service for the theft “would be more beneficial to everybody”, and that Mr Collins could “make good the loss that way”.

Judge Catherine Ryan asked Mr McMahon if the man has a child that’s ill - which the barrister confirmed to be true.

Ms Ryan warned Mr Collins that “once someone starts accumulating thefts, unfortunately that’s the road they go down”.

The judge directed that Mr Collins engage with the Probation Services, and adjourned Mr Collins’ case to a date in May.

Related topics: Limerick Limerick city Aldi Thomondgate An Garda Siochána Sign up to our Ireland Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Ireland Live within your account.